Winter

Dezomeshiki, held in Tokyo on January 6, is the New Year’s Parade of Firemen—where men perform dazzling-acrobatic tricks with bamboo ladders.

Snow Festival of Sapporo in Hokkaidois is held on February 5– 11. This world famous festival centers around a competition of massive snow sculptures.

Spring

Hinamatsuri is a doll festival and a special day for girls which is held on March 3. Young girls dress in their best kimonos and set-up home displays of hina dolls and their accessories which have been handed down from family members for hundreds of years. There is an emperor and an empress doll and other dolls that look like noble ladies. Girls visit one another’s homes to admire the doll collections. Rice cakes and tea are offered to guests. Even the dolls get tiny cakes on tiny dishes!

Hana Matsuri is the celebration of Buddha’s birthday held on April 8.

May 5 is Children’s Day. Formerly, it was called Boys’ Day. The two symbols for this festival are the carp and the iris. Both stand for strength and courage and remind children to face life’s challenges with determination. The carp is strong because, in order to lay its eggs, it must swim upriver against the current. The leaves of the iris are as sharp as the swords used by courageous samurai warriors of the past. Boys proudly display samurai armor, swords and warrior dolls and visit one another to view the displays. Carp made of paper or cloth are hung on bamboo poles outside every home. Each member of the family is represented by one carp.

Mif’une Matsuri, on the third Sunday in May, is a parade on the Oi River in Kyoto that features a display of ancient boats.

Summer

Gion Matsuri of Yasaka Shrine, Kyoto is a famous festival in Japan. The event peaks on July 17, with a huge parade of floats.

Kanto Matsuri or the “Pole of Lanterns Festival” is held in Akita city each year from August 5-7. Individuals carry 10-meter long poles holding 40 to 50 light paper lanterns in a festive procession.

Autumn

Autumn Festival of Toshogu Shrine, Nikko takes place on October 17. The festival features troops of Samurai warriors in full costume.

Shi-Chi-Go-San is a festival for children ages 3, 5, & 7 years of age. Children dress up in kimonos, receive treats and get their pictures taken.

Momiji Festival, in November, is held in Arashiyama and Kyoto. It is held around the time that the maple leaves are changing color.